Although much less common than low back pain, those who suffer from upper back pain know all too well that it can hurt just as much as the lower back. This type of pain relates to the area between the lower back and the neck.

The upper back is also called the thoracic area and is the part of the back where the ribs attach. There are many possible causes of thoracic pain: for instance, poor posture, overuse, or an injury. The upper back is often injured while carrying objects, bending, throwing, twisting or even vigorous coughing and sneezing. Due to the increase in desk-bound jobs, the most common cause presently is prolonged sitting at a computer. Due to this reduced movement, the blood flow to the muscles becomes reduced, which starves them of nutrients. As a result they begin to tighten and feel rope-like. In time the myofascia (muscle sheath) adapts to this held posture and locks up.

Because the structure of the thoracic area is shaped for support and protection, the serious joint conditions affecting the neck or lower back (spinal stenosis, disc injuries, and degeneration) are less common . In fact, the thoracic area often has to compensate for problems located in the lower back, neck and shoulders.

Having said this, there are also more sinister causes of upper back pain. These should not be overlooked, particularly if the pain is persistent, unexplained and is not affected by body position. Conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, rib fracture and referred pain from the digestive organs should all be considered.

Myosteopractic uses myofascial techniques, in combination with skeletal and cross release techniques, to release the ribs, spine, trapezius muscle, pectoralis muscles, the rhomboids, serratus muscle, shoulder blades, rotator cuff, diaphragm; as well as the neck, arms and the rest of the back.